Heated seating system for pools

ABSTRACT

A heated seating system for integration within an in-ground pool is provided that selectively channels heated water from a source of heated water directly through one or more seating structures disposed within the pool. Heated water is selectively channeled to thus distribute the heated water through the seating about where individuals are designed to sit and/or recline. The seating areas receiving the heated water may be integrally formed with the pool or otherwise may be detachable therefrom. The seating may also be utilized with both fiberglass and concrete pools.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to swimming pools and moreparticularly, relates to swimming pools having seating therein operativeto deliver heated water to a swimmer seated thereon for the swimmer'scomfort.

2. Related Art

In-ground swimming pools are common place and their construction iswell-known in the art. Typically, such pools can comprise pre-fabricatedfiberglass swimming pools that generally consist of molded, one-piecestructures that rest within an excavated portion of ground.

Alternatively, in-ground pools can be fabricated from concrete accordingto a variety of different methods. Among such pools include gunitepools, which are made by spraying a mixture of sand and cement about amatrix of rebar, the latter typically set within a “box” or “timberpool,” formed to have the desired pool shape and size within anexcavated site.

Similar to gunite pools are “shotcrete” pools that, instead of utilizinga slurry of cement, pool gravel mix and water, are fabricated from apre-mixed batch of shotcrete that possesses a predetermined strength,which in turn typically can be utilized in lesser qualities compared togunite.

Still further, concrete pools may consist of either concrete block orpoured concrete. With respect to the former, the floor foundation istypically poured and a concrete wall structure is constructed to adesired shape of the pool. Filtration attachments and the like areinserted into the walls. Once completed the pool may be renderedinternally, such as by spraying with a fiberglass resin coating, vinylliner, painted or a variety of other finishes. With respect to pouredconcrete pools, the same are typically formed via a mold that is createdusing wood or plywood. The pool floor is typically poured first,followed by wall molds constructed on top of the floor and are connectedby a reinforcing network of rebar. Once completed, the pool interior maybe treated as discussed above with a fiberglass coating, vinyl liner,and the like.

Advantageously, in-ground pools typically allow for the selection andplacement of structures, such as ledges, seats, steps, and the like, toprovide support structures to enable people to remain in seated orreclined positions. Indeed, pools can further be designed to haveintegrated bar stools and countertops to enable pool goers to eat,drink, and/or socialize in the pool itself. A novel approach thatenables consumers to selectively choose such structures to beselectively attached to or detached from a pre-fabricated fiberglasspool is disclosed in Applicant's pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/324,367, entitled FIBERGLASS SWIMMING POOL SHELL HAVINGPRE-FORMED SOCKETS TO ATTACH MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS, filed Jan. 4, 2006,the teachings of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.Generally, such reference discloses a pool shell molding system thatenables accessories such as tables, chairs, parasols, basketball rims,volleyball nets, and the like to be selectively and easily attached andremoved from the fiberglass shell, as desired.

Despite the well-known and widely utilized aforementioned poolconstruction techniques, however, virtually all pool types areconstructed in a manner that makes the pool inefficient to heat, whichin turn may limit the ability of the pool to be utilized and requireswimmers to swim in uncomfortably cold temperatures. In this respect,pool heating typically requires that warm water be continuouslycirculated about the entire pool so that the entire pool reaches anideal threshold temperature, typically at or above 80 degreesFahrenheit. The cost to heat a pool to such desired temperatures can beexceptionally costly. As is well-known, recent increases in energy costshave a profound effect on the expense necessary to heat a pool to adesired temperature, despite advances in pool heating technology.

Accordingly, there is a substantial need in the art for an in-groundpool, regardless of its construction type (i.e., whether fabricated fromconcrete or fiberglass), that can be selectively heated in a manner thatenables the pool to be at least partially enjoyed without requiring theentire body of water contained within the pool to reach uniformtemperature. There is likewise a need in the art for such a pool toselectively allow a discrete area within the pool to be heated,especially about an area that accommodates reclining or seatedpositions. There is still a further need in the art for such a pool thatis of simple construction; easy, efficient and cost effective tooperate; and can substantially prolong the season for in-ground pooluse.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates theabove-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the presentinvention is directed to a heated heating system for pools that enablesheated water to be directly distributed to a seating apparatus or otherstructure disposed within the pool. In this regard, there is provided aplumbing outlet that directly delivers a source of heated water to aseating apparatus, which may comprise one or more stools, benches,ledges, steps or any other similar type of structure. With respect tosuch seating structures, the same may be integrally formed as part ofthe pool structure, whether it be a structure formed as part of theformation of a concrete pool or integrally formed as part of afiberglass shell pool. Alternatively, such seating structures may takethe form of selectively attachable structures operativelyinterconnectable with a fiberglass shell pool such as those disclosed inApplicant's co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/324,367,entitled FIBERGLASS SWIMMING POOL SHELL HAVING PREFORMED SOCKETS TOATTACH MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS, filed Jan. 4, 2006, the teachings of whichare expressly incorporated herein by reference. In this regard, seatingstructures may be selectively interconnected to fiberglass shell pool insuch a manner that a source of hot water can be delivered to the seatingarea.

In all embodiments, it is envisioned that the seating area to which thehot water is delivered will be provided with one or more apertures toselectively distribute heated water about the seating area, and inparticular about an individual seated or reclining thereupon.

By virtue of the localized distribution of the heated water, theindividual seated or reclining upon the seating area will be able toimmediately enjoy the benefits of the heated water without having towait or otherwise incur the expense associated with heating the entirepool to a requisite desired temperature. Advantageously, the system ofthe present invention can be utilized with new or existing pools,whether formed as a concrete pool or fiberglass pool. The system of thepresent invention can further readily be deployed utilizing conventionalpool heating plumbing connections and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These as well as other features of the present invention will becomemore apparent upon reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a swimming pool having a plurality of seatsformed thereon, the latter being operative to receive and selectivelydistribute heated water therethrough.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a heated seating structureinterconnectable with a source of heated water found within aconcrete-type pool.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a seating structure interconnectablewith a fiberglass-type swimming pool, the seating structure furtherbeing operatively interconnectable with a source of heated waterdistributed to the fiberglass pool to distribute the heated waterthrough apertures formed on the seating apparatus

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description ofthe presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intendedto represent the only form in which the present invention may beconstructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions andsequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It isto be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions andsequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they arealso intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.

Referring now to the Figures, and initially to FIG. 1, there is shown anin-ground pool 10 having a pool interior 12, the latter having a varietyof structures formed therein, such as steps 14 and bench 16 operative tooffer ingress into and egress out of pool interior 12. As will bereadily appreciated by those skilled in the arts, the in ground pool 10may comprise any of a variety of pools known in the art, includingconcrete pools or fiberglass pools. With respect to the latter, FIG. 10is exemplary of a specific type of preformed fiberglass poolmanufactured and marketed by San Juan Products, Inc. of Lakeland, Fla.

The present invention comprises a seating system whereby one or moreseat members or structures 18 are provided with at least one andpreferably a plurality of apertures 20 that is operative to deliver hotwater therethrough, and preferably to an individual seated thereupon. Inthis respect, it is contemplated that the present invention will enableselect and discrete areas of seating, such as 18, to be selectivelyheated in a localized fashion but that the heated water may be deliveredthrough other structures such as steps, shelves, benches and the likewhich may serve as a portal through which hot water can be selectivelydelivered to an individual positioned on or near by. In this respect, itis contemplated that providing seating structures through which a sourceof hot water may be selectively distributed, certain local points withinthe interior 12 of pool 10 can be heated in a localized manner to thusenable individuals seated within such areas to enjoy the warmer waterwithout having to wait or the pool owner having to incur the expense ofthe entire pool being heated. As a consequence, it is contemplated thatthe pool can be utilized for a much longer season than conventionalpools and further, may be heated in a far more economical manner thathas heretofore been available.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an exemplary embodiment by whichheating member or structure 18 is operative to receive and distributeheated water 24 from a hot water source 26. As illustrated, the interiorof pool shell 12 contains pool water 22. Seating member 18 preferably isformed to be interconnectable with the pool shell interior 12 such thatthe same may be securely fastened into position, thus providing a rigidand secure seating apparatus. The seating member 18 is preferablyconfigured to be received over or about a source of hot water, such ashot water source 26. With respect to the latter, it is contemplated thatthe source of heated water 26 may take any of a variety of formswell-known in the art or may be later developed. In this respect, it iscontemplated that the source of hot water 26 will have an outlet throughwhich hot water 24 will be distributed, which will in turn fill withinan internal cavity within seating member or structure 18 and ultimatelyemerge through apertures 20 formed atop seating structure 18, as shown.In this respect, it is contemplated that the seating structure 18 maytake those structures disclosed in Applicant's co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/324,367, entitled FIBERGLASS SWIMMING POOL SHELLHAVING PREFORMED SOCKETS TO ATTACH MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS, filed Jan. 4,2006, the teachings of which are expressly incorporated herein byreference.

In this respect, seating member 18 may be constructed of any rigid orsemi-rigid material, such as plastic or fiberglass to match the materialof the pool shell. In this respect, it is contemplated that the poolshell will have the surface designed and adapted to receive andinterconnect with seating member 18, as shown. As will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art, varying structures that strike variousbalances between size, holding strength, holding surface area andmolding simplicity will be understood to be encompassed within theteachings of the present invention, and such embodiment as depicted isprovided by way of example rather than limitation. To that end, there isoptionally provided one or more return fittings 28 that can optionallybe removed from seating member 18 to thus provide a further outletthrough which heated water 24 may be dispersed. In this respect, it iscontemplated that return fitting 28, is removed from seating member 18,will provide an aperture through which hot water can flow about the legsand feet of an individual seated upon seating member 18.

The mechanism by which seating 18 may interconnect with the poolexterior 12 may be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art andmay take any of a variety of forms of attachment as per Applicant'spending earlier-filed application. Advantageously, when incorporated aspart of a pre-fabricated fiberglass shell, the heated water outletthrough which heated water 24 is provided will be pre-configured suchthat the consumer can selectively choose the whereabouts within the poolthe localized distribution of heated water will be directed. In thisregard, although depicted in FIG. 1 as being emitted from a plurality ofseating member 18, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat the heated water 26 may be directed through any of a variety ofstructures, such as 14 and 16, as may be desired to produce a localizeddelivery of heated water.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a seating member 18 as affixedto the interior surface of a concrete pool 30. Per the discussion abovewith respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, seating member 18 will beinterconnectable to the exterior pool surface 30 such that the same isaligned with an outlet of heated water 26, through which heated water 24is delivered and ultimately expelled through apertures 20 formed uponthe seating member 18. Alternatively, return fittings 28 may be providedand optionally removed to allow for a further outlet through whichheated water 24 may flow to thus distribute heated water over the legsand feet or an individual seated upon seating member 18.

The mechanism by which the seating 18 may be fastened to the interior ofa concrete pool 30 may take any of a variety of forms well-known in theart. As illustrated, it is contemplated that an annular fitting 34 willbe secured to the interior of the concrete pool 30 and will serve as anattachment mechanism by which seating member 18 may be affixed. It iscontemplated that any of a variety of other mechanisms well-known in theart by which seating member 18 may be secured to the interior ofconcrete pool surface 30 may be accomplished are well within the scopeof the present invention. Along these lines, it is contemplated that theseating member 18 may be readily attachable to existing concrete pools,or may otherwise be integrated with such concrete pools during theirinitial construction. With respect to the latter, it is contemplatedthat the seating 18 may be rigidly and permanently affixed into positionduring manufacture of such pool, and may even be formed as an integralstructure of the pool and formed from concrete-based materials itself,whether it be gunite, shotcrete or any other similar material used inthe fabrication of concrete-type pools.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown yet a further embodiment of aseating structure 34 that may be readily interconnected with theinterior surface of a pool 12 and further operative to receive hot water24 from a hot water source 26. As illustrated, the seating structure 34is further provided with a plurality of apertures 20 through which thehot water may flow through and thus heat an individual seated thereupon.The heating structure may further be provided with a threaded engagementto thus enable the seat structure 34 to be more easily and readilydetached or attached into position. Such structure advantageously allowsfor easier handling and manipulation, as well as provides the consumerwith the ability to more rapidly change seating structures as may bedesired for certain types of pool use.

Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention mayalso be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, theparticular combination of parts and steps described and illustratedherein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the presentinvention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternativedevices and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention. Alongthese lines, it should be understood that hot water source 26 may takeany of a variety of heated water sources known or later developed in theart, and further contemplates that existing or newly formed plumbingconnections operative to deliver hot water should fall within the scopeof the present invention.

1. A heated seating system for a pool comprising: a. an in-ground pooldefining an interior pool surface; b. a source of hot water coupled tosaid pool operative to deliver heated water to the interior pool surfacevia at least one outlet; c. a seating member disposed within saidinterior surface of said pool and about said at least one outlet, saidat least one seating member having at least one aperture formed thereonto define a flow pathway whereby said heated water is delivered fromsaid outlet through said at least one aperture and into said poolinterior.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one seatingmember is detachably fastenable to said pool interior.
 3. The system ofclaim 2 wherein said pool comprises a fiberglass pool.
 4. The system ofclaim 2 wherein said pool comprises a concrete pool.
 5. The system ofclaim 4 wherein said concrete pool is fabricated from a materialselected from the group consisting of gunite and shotcrete.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1 comprising a multiplicity of seating members and amultiplicity of outlets, each respective seating member beingoperatively positionable about a dedicated one of said outlets.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein said at least one seating member has aplurality of apertures.
 8. The system of claim 6 wherein each respectiveone of said seating members has a plurality of apertures formed thereon.9. The system of claim 1 wherein said seating member is configured as astool.
 10. The seating system of claim 1 wherein at least one seatingmember is fashioned as a bench.